Setting goals is nice, fulfilling them is better.
As we step into a new year, with new aspirations for travel experiences, it’s essential to acknowledge the environmental cost of these aspirations. Even if we plan of heading to Vietnam to collaborate on sustainable projects with local communities, the carbon footprint of such a journey will likely still outweigh staying at home. We tend to think, especially when consuming travel content on social networks, that there’s only one way to travel : quick getaways city break once a month, ticking boxes and moving on. I’ve been there, I’ve done that. But in 2025, I want to rethink this way of traveling, to make it more sustainable and authentic.
Here are my 2025 responsible and sustainable travel goals.
1. JOURNEY ALONG THE CAMINO DE SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
Before doing a portion of the Te Araroa of New Zealand in February 2024, I’d never have believed myself capable of walking for more than a day with a backpack in the wilderness. , I never would have believed myself capable of hiking for more than a day with a backpack in the wilderness. Let alone camping under the stars, skipping proper showers, or cooking meals on a portable stove with freeze-dried food.
But I did it.
I spent weeks trekking through the mountains of New Zealand’s South Island, completely disconnected from the world, covering hundreds of kilometers. It was more than just a physical challenge—it was a deeply emotional and human experience. I loved meeting fellow hikers, sharing meaningful conversations before falling asleep, and spending time alone with my thoughts.
And I want to continue in this way. So in 2025, I’d love to do part of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, starting in the French Pyrenees and finishing in Galicia. Maybe on foot (Camino Francès – 780 kilometers | 30-35 days) or maybe by bike (20 days). It might be challenging but will be an unforgettable experience.
2. CARRY REUSABLE ITEMS
To reduce my carbon footprint while traveling, I plan to invest in high-quality, reusable items to minimize disposable plastic use. For example, a water bottle with a built-in filter for safe drinking water and a set of stainless steel cutlery that works for both outdoors and city dining. In many countries, disposable plastic cutlery is still commonly used in takeout and street food. So it would be a way to limit my plastic comsuption.
However, I’ve decided to avoid investing in more tote bags, especially the one from souvenir shop that often tear within a month. Tote bags, especially those made of cotton, have an important environmental cost due to the water you need to make them. In facts, to offset the carbon footprint of a cotton tote bag, you’d need to use it daily for a year—or even longer for organic cotton. Unfortunately, the tote bag has become another form of over-consumption even tho it came from a good intention : no more use of plastic. But it’s far more sustainable to invest in a stronger and longer-lasting fabric.
3. WALK THE GR52 IN FRANCE
One of my dream hikes for summer 2025 is the Vallée des Merveilles in the Mercantour National Park, nestled in the Maritime Alps. This trail is less famous than the Tour du Mont Blanc, yet it offers incredible Alpine landscapes and ends in Menton, the last French town before Italy. A friend of mine hiked it and highly recommended it.
The GR52 takes 214 kilometers and takes about two weeks to complete.
4. START READING MORE TRAVEL LITERATURE
I don’t usually read many books specifically about travel—tourist guides, yes, but not travel narratives. However, travel literature is another great way to explore the world without leaving home. Some authors can create such an immersive experience that you are transported into the bustling markets of Morocco to the serene temples of Vietnam.
I think incorporating travel books into my reading routine is another sustainable way to fuel my love of traveling while reducing my environmental impact.
5. SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
Instead of grabbing my coffee from the big international chains, which may feel like a safe choice but fail to reflect the local culture – I want to prioritize local businesses even more. Often, a cappuccino at a cozy neighborhood café costs the same or even less than at a Starbucks on the main avenue, with the added bonus of supporting the local economy. With a little effort, it’s easy to find restaurants offering greater & healthier lunch menus than the ones you can find in fast-food.
The same principle applies to souvenirs. Rather than shopping in the easily recognizable big tourist stores in places like Paris or Barcelona—selling identical, mass-produced items from China—I aim to seek out shops that offer original creations made by local artists and artisans, as well as independent bookshops that sometimes offer lovely literary souvenirs to bring back from my travels.
6. SHARE RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL AWARENESS
I want to use this blog and my social platforms to advocate for more sustainable travel. By sharing my own journey toward responsible travel, I’m making myself accountable to you—putting my commitments into writing and sharing them publicly. I believe that personal stories have the power to resonate with others and inspire reflection on their own travel habits.
I want to share initiatives and destinations that are dedicated to sustainability as well as provide practical tips to travel more responsibly. My 2025 goal is to explore the many ways we can make travel more sustainable for today and the future and share those insights with you. Together, we can embrace a more respectful approach to exploring the world.
What are your 2025 travel goals ?